EAST LANSING, Mich. — Target Corporation announced today its plans to open a new store in the Center City District mixed-use redevelopment project recently proposed for downtown East Lansing.
The downtown East Lansing location would be one of a number of smaller, flexible-format stores that the company has opened in recent years in downtown urban markets and near college campuses across the country. Target already operates more than 30 flexible-format stores in the U.S. and has plans to open several more in 2017 and 2018: https://corporate.target.com/about/shopping-experience/upcoming-store-openings.
“We are pleased that Target has selected downtown East Lansing for its first smaller, flexible-format store in Michigan,” said East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows. “We believe the store will be a great addition to the downtown, adding a new dimension to the retail offerings already available and meeting the needs that have been voiced by community members during past planning charrettes and workshops.”
“I am thrilled that a national retailer such as Target is investing in the East Lansing community. Their investment will offer students, year-round residents and those working in and around the downtown area with convenient shopping options,” said East Lansing Downtown Development Authority Chair Peter Dewan. “I believe other national retailers will take notice and also conclude that East Lansing, the home of Michigan State University, is an attractive community in which to do business.”
Downtown East Lansing’s Target location would be approximately 22,000 square feet and would be a part of the Center City District project, which, in addition to the grocery and soft goods retailer, proposes to include senior housing (93 rental units) and mixed market housing (271 rental units), street level retail, a new 715-space parking structure and new utility infrastructure. The proposed project would be located along Grand River Avenue and Albert Avenue, including 125, 133, 135 and 201-209 E. Grand River Ave. and the City's Albert Avenue Parking Lot, 200 Albert Ave. The total project site is 2.02 acres. Public hearings for the proposed project’s site plan and brownfield plan have been scheduled to take place at the East Lansing City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in Courtroom 2 of the 54B District Court, 101 Linden St. Community members are welcome to attend those public hearings and can find additional information about the proposed project at www.cityofeastlansing.com/CenterCityDistrict.